Free Master of Architecture: Standard Professional Practice Of Architects Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Who governs architecture?

PRC-PRBoA (Correct answer)
DOJ
UAP-IAPOA
DTI/SEC

Correct answer: PRC-PRBoA

In the Philippines, the practice of architecture is governed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through its Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBoA). The PRBoA is responsible for regulating the architectural profession, including the examination, registration, and licensing of architects, as well as enforcing ethical standards and professional conduct.

Question 2: Are registered and licensed architects the same?

Yes, an architect must be both licensed and registered. (Correct answer)
None of the above.
No, the two are distinctly different
Maybe, depending on the services offered by the architect.

Correct answer: Yes, an architect must be both licensed and registered.

In many jurisdictions, including the Philippines, 'registered' and 'licensed' are often used interchangeably or refer to a combined process. To legally practice architecture, an individual must typically pass a professional licensure examination and then be officially registered and issued a license by the regulatory body. Therefore, an architect must hold both the registration and the license to practice legally.

Question 3: Are "Architect" and "Architect-of-Record" interchangeable?

No, the Architect is a generic word while AoR is a specific function of a professional architect. (Correct answer)
Can the term “Architect” and “Architect-of-Record” be used interchangeably?
Yes, they are both the same
Maybe, depending on the type of work

Correct answer: No, the Architect is a generic word while AoR is a specific function of a professional architect.

'Architect' is a general term for a qualified professional who designs buildings. An 'Architect-of-Record' (AoR), however, refers to the specific architect who signs and seals the architectural plans and documents, thereby taking legal responsibility for their content and compliance with building codes. While an AoR is always an architect, not every architect involved in a project holds the specific legal designation of AoR.

Question 4: Will the Architect-of-Record be criminally liable for plans, projects, and contracts he signed and sealed?

Yes, the AoR assumes the civil liability. (Correct answer)
No, it is the Design Engineers who are liable
None of the above.
No, it is the Architect-in-charge of Construction who assumes the liability.

Correct answer: Yes, the AoR assumes the civil liability.

The Architect-of-Record (AoR) assumes significant legal responsibility for the architectural plans and specifications they sign and seal. This includes civil liability for damages or defects arising from errors or omissions in the plans, as well as potential administrative and, in some cases, criminal liability if gross negligence or professional misconduct leads to serious consequences like structural failure or harm.

Question 5: Who is responsible if a building collapses with two architects, the Architect-of-Record and the Architect-in-Charge?

It depends on the investigation (Correct answer)
Architect-in-charge of Construction
Architect-of-Record
Both will be liable

Correct answer: It depends on the investigation

In the event of a building collapse, determining liability is a complex process that requires a thorough investigation. While the Architect-of-Record (AoR) bears primary legal responsibility for the design, the Architect-in-Charge (AIC) or supervising architect also has responsibilities related to construction oversight. The investigation would examine the specific causes of the collapse, the scope of work and contractual obligations of each architect, and whether the collapse resulted from design flaws, construction errors, or other factors, to assign appropriate liability.

Question 6: Can an architect be the Architect-of-Record and the Construction Architect?

No, it is against the Civil Code.
It depends on the type of project.
Yes, it is possible. (Correct answer)
No, they should always be different.

Correct answer: Yes, it is possible.

It is entirely possible for a single architect to serve as both the Architect-of-Record (responsible for the design and signed plans) and the Construction Architect (responsible for overseeing the construction phase). This often occurs in smaller projects or when an architect's firm provides comprehensive services from design through construction administration. There are no inherent legal or ethical prohibitions against one architect fulfilling both roles, provided they maintain professional competence and diligence in each capacity.

Question 7: Who can authorize plan reproduction if the Architect-on-Record dies?

Nobody (Correct answer)
The courts
His/her family
Co-owner of the architectural company

Correct answer: Nobody

Architectural plans are considered intellectual property, and the Architect-of-Record (AoR) holds the copyright. Upon the AoR's death, the copyright typically passes to their legal heirs. However, the legal authority to *authorize reproduction* of sealed plans for a specific project, especially for construction or regulatory purposes, is often tied to the professional responsibility of the AoR. Without a living AoR to attest to the plans' integrity and assume liability, authorization for reproduction for official use becomes problematic, often requiring a new AoR or court intervention for specific circumstances.

Question 8: Can a non-board-passing architect get a master's degree?

Maybe, depending on the admission requirements of the school.
Yes, only if he/she is an honor student.
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in Architecture is enough. (Correct answer)
No, he/she must pass the board exam first.

Correct answer: Yes, a bachelor’s degree in Architecture is enough.

Admission to a master's degree program typically requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Architecture. Passing a professional licensure examination (the 'board exam') is a requirement for *practicing* as a licensed architect, not for pursuing further academic studies. Therefore, an individual with a Bachelor of Architecture degree can generally apply for and be admitted to a master's program without having passed the board exam.

Question 9: Can a successful examinee be denied a Certificate of Registration if a lower court convicted them of a crime involving moral turpitude and they appealed?

Maybe, depending on the court’s order.
No, since he/she has passed the examination.
Yes, the Board has the power to refuse issuance. (Correct answer)
No, since the conviction is not yet final and executory.

Correct answer: Yes, the Board has the power to refuse issuance.

Professional regulatory boards are typically empowered to ensure the moral and ethical fitness of practitioners. Even if an examinee passes the examination, a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude, regardless of an ongoing appeal, can be a valid ground for the Board to refuse the issuance of a Certificate of Registration. This power is crucial for upholding the integrity and public trust in the profession.

Question 10: Who is responsible for non-registered people soliciting architectural work?

None of the above
All of the Above (Correct answer)
The employer and the employee
Both the represented and the representative

Correct answer: All of the Above

Laws regulating professional practice, such as architecture, aim to protect the public from unqualified individuals. Therefore, responsibility for unauthorized practice extends beyond just the non-registered individual. It typically includes the person soliciting the work, their employer, and anyone who represents them or allows such solicitation, making all parties involved potentially liable.

Question 11: Is a partner liable for malpractice by an architect-of-record?

It is up to the courts to decide
Maybe, if he also signs and seals the documents
Yes, he will also be liable. (Correct answer)
No, it is only the Architect-of-Record

Correct answer: Yes, he will also be liable.

In a general partnership, partners are typically jointly and severally liable for the partnership's obligations, including liabilities arising from the malpractice or negligence of one partner acting within the scope of the partnership business. This means that even if one partner is designated as the 'architect-of-record,' other partners share in the legal and financial responsibilities and can also be held liable for professional misconduct.

Question 12: Physical planning services?

Design and Planning Services
Specialized Allied Services (Correct answer)
Regular Design Services
Pre-Design Services

Correct answer: Specialized Allied Services

Physical planning services involve comprehensive planning for the development and use of land and physical environments, often integrating various disciplines like urban planning, landscape architecture, and environmental planning. These services require specialized expertise beyond conventional building design and are therefore categorized as 'Specialized Allied Services' within the broader scope of architectural practice.

Question 13: Which service is "sound insulation treatment?"

Comprehensive Architectural Services
Specialized Allied Services (Correct answer)
Regular Design Services
Pre-Design Services

Correct answer: Specialized Allied Services

Sound insulation treatment is a specialized technical service focused on acoustic design and noise control, requiring specific knowledge of materials and construction techniques to mitigate sound transmission. Because it demands expertise beyond standard architectural design, it falls under 'Specialized Allied Services,' which encompass supplementary services that enhance or complement the primary architectural project.

Question 14: When is the feasibility study done for architectural design services?

Comprehensive Architectural Services
Specialized Allied Services
Regular Design Services
Pre-Design Services (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pre-Design Services

A feasibility study is a critical initial step in project development, conducted to assess the viability, potential challenges, and overall practicality of a proposed project before significant design work commences. This makes it an integral part of 'Pre-Design Services,' as it helps clients make informed decisions about whether to proceed and guides the subsequent design phases.

Question 15: What services include brochures/leaflets/fliers/posters and promotional and advertising campaigns?

Comprehensive Architectural Services
Specialized Allied Services
Regular Design Services
Pre-Design Services (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pre-Design Services

Services such as creating brochures, leaflets, fliers, posters, and managing promotional and advertising campaigns are typically undertaken to market or promote a project, often during its conceptualization or early planning stages. These activities fall under 'Pre-Design Services' because they help define the project's market, target audience, and overall vision, influencing subsequent design and development decisions.

Question 16: What Architectural Service/Phase does the Architect and Client choose the Contractor?

Bidding/Negotiation Phase (Correct answer)
Construction Phase
Evaluation Phase
Contract Document Phase

Correct answer: Bidding/Negotiation Phase

The selection of a contractor occurs during the 'Bidding/Negotiation Phase' of architectural services. After the design and contract documents are finalized, qualified contractors submit bids or proposals. The architect then assists the client in evaluating these submissions, negotiating terms, and ultimately choosing the most suitable contractor for the construction phase of the project.

Free Master of Architecture: Standard Professional Practice Of Architects Questions and Answers

Who governs architecture?